Status: Category II (EN). Endangered species.
Importance for gene pool conservation: Preservation of this species is crucial for the gene pool of Central Asia and the entire distribution range.
Distribution: During migration, found along the valleys of Amu Darya, Murgab, Tejen rivers, Turkmen bend and Caspian Sea coast. Nests on Sarygamysh Lake. Winters on large southern water bodies. Outside Turkmenistan nests in northern Mediterranean, Black Sea regions, northern Caspian area, and Central Asia. Winters also in Eastern Mediterranean and southern parts of Central and South Asia.
Habitat: Large water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs; occasionally coastal areas.
Population and trends: In the 1970s, up to 30 colonies on Sarygamysh Lake, approx. 1000 birds. In early 1980s up to 200 pairs, in 1988 only 100 nesting pairs recorded. In 2010, 8 pairs at Deryalyk mouth colony and 100 solitary birds counted. April 2011: 6 nests, 79 solitary individuals. 1997-2006 autumn counts in Caspian SE: 685 individuals; winter counts: 897. 2007-2020 counts in Independence Reservoir ranged 21–347 birds. 2011-2021 migration/nesting on Sarygamysh Lake counted 1–61 birds.
Main threats: Disturbance, pollution, flooding of nesting sites.
Biological traits: Migratory, partly wintering and breeding species. Spring migration from mid-February to early May; autumn migration mid-August to early December. Nests on Sarygamysh islands. Breeding from late April to late July. Colonies nest on ground with 2-3 (rarely 4-5) eggs per clutch. Feeds on fish.
Conservation status: Listed in IUCN Red List (NT, criteria A3cde) since 1985. Protected in Hazar and Amudarya State Nature Reserves, Kelif and Sarygamysh Sanctuaries. Habitats included in Turkmenistan IBAs. Included in CITES Annex I, Bonn Convention (CMS) Appendices I & II, AEWA Agreement.
Proposed conservation measures: Nominate large water bodies to Ramsar international network. Increase public awareness campaigns.
Research proposals: Regular monitoring of nesting, migration, and wintering populations.